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Dive into the Magic of Bandar Khayran: A Snorkeler’s and Diver’s Dream!

Dive into the Magic of Bandar Khayran A Snorkeler’s and Diver’s Dream! Tucked between the golden cliffs of Muscat, Bandar Khayran is an underwater paradise that’s a must-visit for snorkelers and divers alike. Just a breezy 20-minute boat ride from our dive center in Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, often with playful dolphins joining us to ride along the boat. Explore a Diverse Underwater Wonderland Bandar Khayran boasts over 22 incredible dive and snorkeling spots. Let us introduce you to a few of them: For a touch of magic visit “Mermaid Cove” where you might feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale underwater. “Seahorse Bay” and “Coral Garden” offer vibrant coral reefs teeming with sealife, making it easy to see colorful fish and delicate corals up close. Sites like “Aquarium” and “Garden of Eden” certainly live up to their name, with big schools of different fish species passing you by. For those who want a bit of adventure, the Munassir Wreck offers an intriguing dive site. This sunken vessel is now a vibrant artificial reef, home to an array of marine species. Meet the Bay’s Residents The marine life in Bandar Khayran is nothing short of spectacular. Dive into the clear waters and encounter graceful sea turtles, including the green turtle and the endangered hawksbill. Snorkelers will love the playful interactions with schools of butterflyfish and parrotfish and many more, while keen-eyed divers might spot giant rays gliding by, octopuses hiding in crevices or zebra-sharks sleeping on the bottom of the reef. A Commitment to Conservation Bandar Khayran is not just a stunning destination; it’s also a model for marine conservation. Several areas are designated as protected zones, ensuring the delicate ecosystems remain healthy and vibrant. We encourage visitors to enjoy this beauty responsibly and help keep it pristine for future generations. Get Ready to Explore Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a curious snorkeler, Bandar Khayran has something magical to offer. So grab your snorkel or diving gear and dive into the waters of Bandar Khayran. This hidden gem promises an unforgettable underwater adventure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvHJKxVlEXk Previous Post

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Tips for Snorkeling with Your Kids

Tips for Snorkeling with Your Kids Are you thinking of snorkeling with your kids? Not much is required to enjoy family time while engaging in this water sport. All you need is a snorkel, mask, and fins! If you want to do a new activity with your children, then introducing them to snorkeling would be an excellent decision. You must have already enjoyed beach vacations with them that include swimming, making sand castles, and collecting shells. Why not diversify and go snorkeling together? Just follow a few vital tips and make the best of your underwater experience.  By following these tips, you can help your diving apprentices succeed with their first fin kicks.  Choose a Good Spot and Fair Weather​ On your first snorkeling trip with your kids, you need to reassure them and make things easy for them. Pick a day with good weather, a calm sea, and a time when there are not many swimmers in the ocean. Your kid will be able to enjoy more under these circumstances as these will also provide the best chances of coming across colourful fish in clear water.  Don’t go too far out. Rich marine life can be spotted on the bands of rock along the shore as well since these are homes to many animals. Your children will be delighted to have this experience! Stay close to them and ensure that their feet touch the sea floor. This will provide them with safety as well as comfort. If they can stand on the sea floor, then it means that they can rest whenever required.  There is no need for fins for initial snorkeling trips. You can begin with just a mask and snorkel from a spot where your kid can stand in the water. They can use fins once they have cracked this stage. Moreover, you should walk backwards rather than forwards if you have worn fins before going in the water. This will help in avoiding a potentially painful fall.  Also, make sure that kids don’t race from the beach to the water with their fins on. Introduce Kids to Snorkeling with a Snorkel and Mask The next thing to do is put your head under the water! It is a crucial stage of snorkeling and for this, get your kids to wear the mask and snorkel out of the water. They need to breathe only through their mouth now. They can learn this in a bathtub or a swimming pool also. You can also pick a beach for this. They can use the snorkel and mask on the edge while sitting or standing. Once they are familiar with this, then they can be equipped with fins as well (only if they know swimming).  Going from a vertical to a horizontal position is very important. And it is crucial that your kid use a snorkel of the right size. The mouthpiece, diameter, and length will be too big if you make them wear your snorkel. Thus, the size of the snorkel must be proportional to the lung capacity.  Another thing to be kept in mind for making your first snorkeling outing a big success is having a good floating balance for your child. Older kids can get support from an inflatable noodle/board while a waist belt would be better for younger ones. They can observe the seabed in peace when they are properly stabilized.   If you are planning to take your kids for snorkeling in Oman, then pick MolaMola Diving Center (Muscat) for a safe and fun-filled experience. Our guide will be next to them at all times and will support them whenever they feel tired or need their mask cleaned up. They will make sure that they are enjoying as well as gaining knowledge about the marine ecosystem. Previous Post

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What to Do If You See a Shark While Snorkeling?

What to Do If You See a Shark While Snorkeling? If you love oceans and are fascinated with incredible marine creatures living under the surface, then one thing we know for sure is that spotting sharks has been on your to-do list for a long time now! Sharks are powerful, mysterious, and gorgeous. However, they are also one of the most dangerous creatures that you can encounter while snorkeling. So in order to feel absolutely safe in their presence and not behave in an uncontrolled way, it becomes crucial for you to know what to do if you see a shark while snorkeling.  We will provide you with important information and tips here so that you can keep yourself safe along with making the most of your underwater adventure. Moreover, if you are still wondering where you should go to see sharks, then Fahal Island in Oman would be a great choice as it is famous for the sharks that visit the waters around the island. Mainly black tip reef sharks and lemon sharks can be spotted here. In addition to that, reefs here are in abundance and are quite diverse. Needless to say, Fahal Island is the perfect way to get close to marine life! Do Sharks Attack Snorkelers?​ The shark species you see while snorkeling in Fahal Island, Oman are essentially not dangerous. And even if a shark approaches you, it will just swim away without showing any aggressive behaviour or interest if you are not threatening it or not trying to hold onto its food. Pelagic species that can be dangerous to human beings are generally not present in shallow waters in the daytime. They come up from the deep to feed after dusk only.  But if you still spot a shark approaching you, then you can do the following to prevent an attack: Go for the Nearest Safe Spot It doesn’t mean that you have to head toward the beach; you can also swim toward a coral rock or sandbar. A shark finds it tough to easily attack you on very shallow ground.  Swim Rhythmically It is not easy to do but surely worth trying if you can make smooth movements. Splashing makes you look as if you are in distress, thus increasing the chances of being attacked. Seabed Movement Depending on how far safety is, sometimes it is better to just dive off and go along a seabed to a shallower ground. Sharks can see you much easier on the surface, making vicious attacks! Defend Yourself It is difficult to read the body language of a shark in case you are encountering it for the first time. The best thing to do in this situation is to punch the snout or the areas around the gills or eyes as these are the most sensitive areas of any fish.   Maintain Eye Contact You must know where is the potential danger to be able to defend yourself if there is a need. That’s why you need to keep your eyes on the shark. Make eye contact if it swims towards you. This is a clear sign for the shark that you aren’t a competitor for its food or a possible threat.   Is spotting sharks on your bucket list? Then choose MolaMola Diving Center for your next dive when you are in Muscat. We will take you to Fahal Island, which is also known as Shark Island, for the adventure of your life! During your vacations in stunning Oman, don’t forget to go for one of the finest diving experiences in the country that you can have in Fahal Island. Previous Post

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Snorkeling 101: The Science and Technique behind it

Snorkeling 101: The Science and Technique behind it If you want to explore the mysterious underwater world, then snorkeling is one of the best ways to do so. It is a rewarding as well as an unforgettable experience. It would surely be great if you know the fascinating science, techniques, skills, and other basic essentials for successful snorkeling adventures while you surround yourself with the captivating beauty of marine life.  In order to help you understand and refine the art of underwater exploration, we will explain here the principles of snorkeling including physics, physiology, and engineering. This will surely maximise your underwater excursions. Let’s embark on a journey where you will discover the engaging science behind snorkeling!  Mastering the physiology of breathing Breathing is a key function, especially when it comes to underwater activities like snorkeling. If you want the best marine experience, then it is important to understand the physiological aspects of breathing and apply techniques.  Relaxation & breathing rhythm: It is very important to prevent anxiety and fatigue while snorkeling. This can be done by maintaining a calm and relaxed mind. Establish a steady breathing rhythm and be aware of your breaths. This will ensure ample airflow and oxygen supply.  Nasal versus oral breathing: The mask covers the nose, and thus, you have to breathe from your mouth while snorkeling. The transition from nasal breathing to oral breathing may take some time, but practice can help in quick adjustment.    Diaphragmatic breathing: An efficient and energy-conserving way to breathe is by engaging the diaphragm while snorkeling. For this technique, you need to inhale deeply through the snorkel and then completely exhale slowly, filling fresh oxygen in your lungs and expelling carbon dioxide.   Achieving optimal buoyancy control For maintaining position in the water column and effective navigation, efficient buoyancy control is extremely important for snorkelers. You should understand the physics behind buoyancy and apply the right technique for that.  Buoyancy basics: Buoyancy means the tendency or ability of something to float in water or other fluid. The buoyancy of an object depends on its weight and the volume of water it displaces. If you understand this, then it will help you in controlling your position in the water. Also, you will avoid accidentally damaging the marine environment.   The role of gear: Your snorkeling gear like the wetsuit, fins, and life jacket help in achieving maximum buoyancy. By trapping a thin layer of water between the neoprene material and the body, a wetsuit offers buoyancy. Adjustable buoyancy for maximum control is provided by inflatable snorkeling vests.   Maintaining neutral buoyancy: When your weight and the buoyancy force are equal in the water column, then there is neutral buoyancy. If you can perfect this, then you will be able to experience smooth movement, reduced energy consumption, as well as an optimal snorkeling experience.   If you are seeking a comfortable, safe, and fun underwater excursion, then knowing the science behind snorkeling will surely help you. By incorporating this knowledge, you can polish your snorkeling skills and enjoy a great underwater adventure. Especially at Daymaniyat Island, the fun gets manifold owing to its splendid marine life. There are plenty of turtles and colourful fish! And if spotting whale sharks is on your bucket list, then diving here is your best bet!   When you are vacationing in Oman, then one thing you must do is snorkeling. Just stick a rubber tube in your mouth and get splashing to spy on the fish community. Daymaniyat Islands here are popular for the most incredible marine life in the country. The pristine cobalt waters are a treat to your eyes. Be ready to get transported to an exquisite aquatic world that is abundant in splendid corals and a myriad of marine creatures. If you are a water baby, then snorkeling is something that you should definitely try your hand at. Previous PostNext Post

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PADI Open Water Diver Course: The ultimate adventure awaits you in Oman

PADI Open Water Diver Course: The ultimate adventure awaits you in Oman Hey, all you adventurous souls out there! If you are someone who is a pro at balancing work and wanderlust, we have something that’s about to add a whole new dimension to your travel adventures. Are you ready for an experience that blends the thrill of exploration with the soothing embrace of the ocean’s tranquillity? Buckle up because we are about to take you on a journey to remember. Join us in the enchanting Oman, where our prestigious PADI 5-star dive center is waiting to whisk you away on a transformative ride towards becoming a certified Open Water Diver. So get those fins on as we unveil the top reasons why the PADI Open Water Diver Course is the ultimate choice for unleashing your inner explorer!   Discover a hidden paradise beneath the waves Have you ever dreamt of entering a world where time seems to stand still, where vibrant marine life dances around you, and breathtaking coral reefs paint the ocean floor with a kaleidoscope of colours? Get ready to turn that dream into a reality with the PADI Open Water Diver Course at Muscat’s premier 5-star dive center.  Picture yourself descending into the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by curious fish and intricate coral formations. The PADI Open Water Diver Course isn’t just about learning to dive; it’s about unlocking the door to a hidden paradise that few get to experience. As you dive beneath the waves, you will be granted a front-row seat to the wonders of marine life, from playful fish to graceful sea turtles, all within the enchanting embrace of Daymaniyat Islands’ pristine dive sites.   Dive with confidence, guided by experts Our team of dedicated instructors isn’t just knowledgeable; they are downright passionate about diving and your safety as well. From the very beginning, they will take you under their fins and guide you through each step of the course. You might start with a few butterflies in your stomach, but their warm and patient approach will quickly turn those nerves into excitement.   Flexibility tailored to your schedule Hey there, busy bees! We get it—juggling work and travel can be quite the feat. That’s why the PADI Open Water Diver Course is designed to fit seamlessly into your bustling lifestyle. Introducing our game-changing flexible learning approach! You can master it at your own pace. Dive into the world of diving theory from the comfort of your couch. The online coursework will accommodate your schedule. Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, or lunch breaks, you decide when and where you learn. Blend your newfound knowledge with practical sessions that suit your calendar. When you are comfortable and eager, you will join us for exhilarating hands-on training in the crystal-clear waters of Oman.   Digital detox, oceanic connection The digital world is alluring and essential, but sometimes you need to unplug to recharge. Diving offers the perfect excuse to leave those notifications behind and embrace the serenity of the deep blue. Without the constant pings and beeps, you are free to fully connect with nature, your fellow divers, and most importantly, yourself. It’s a multisensory experience that sweeps you away from the chaos and envelops you in pure relaxation.   Are you ready to take the plunge? The PADI Open Water Diver Course opens the door to a world of adventure, discovery, and personal growth. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create a life enriched with unique experiences and cherished memories.  Enrol in the PADI Open Water Diver Course with MolaMola Diving Center and set sail on a journey of a lifetime! Previous PostNext Post

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Turtle Paradise: Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Daymaniyat

Turtle Paradise: Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Daymaniyat Did you read that you could go snorkeling in the Daymaniyat Islands with sea turtles? Then this blog is something you cannot miss! The Daymaniyat Islands, a string of nine islands located off the coast of Oman, are a sanctuary for wildlife and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Among the most enchanting experiences these islands offer is the opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat. Imagine azure waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a sense of anticipation as you slip beneath the surface. Here, snorkelers become part of an underwater ballet, where graceful sea turtles glide effortlessly through their aquatic realm. Why Turtles Matter? Before we plunge into the depths, let’s pause to appreciate the significance of sea turtles. We could write a complete blog on these amazing creatures but here are some reasons how they play crucial roles in marine ecosystems: Ecosystem Engineers: Sea turtles help maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs by grazing on algae and seagrass. Seed Dispersers: Their movements aid in the dispersal of seagrass seeds, contributing to coastal habitat restoration. Indicators of Ocean Health: The presence of sea turtles reflects the overall well-being of our oceans. The Daymaniyat Islands: A Snorkeler’s Haven The Daymaniyat Islands are a protected area, recognized for their extraordinary biodiversity. The islands are a nesting ground for five species of sea turtles, including the endangered green turtle and the hawksbill turtle. The warm waters and abundant food supply make it an ideal location for these turtles to thrive. Snorkeling Conditions Water Clarity: The transparency of the water is usually astonishing – you’ll feel like you’re floating in liquid sapphire. But sometimes, due to algae blooms, the water becomes green and we call it green soup when this happens.  Currents: Generally none to mild while snorkeling, but it changes according to snorkeling site and hence, it is essential to stay aware of local conditions. Best Times: Snorkeling is ideal throughout the year. But these days due to climate change, we get algae blooms two times a year that makes the water green and not so great for snorkeling.  Meeting the Gentle Giants: Snorkeling with Sea Turtles Spotting Techniques Snorkeling in the Daymaniyat Islands is like entering a magical realm where sea turtles gracefully navigate their underwater world. The moment you dip below the surface, you’re greeted by the vibrant colors of coral reefs teeming with life. Fish of all shapes and sizes dart around, but the true stars of the show are the sea turtles. These gentle giants glide effortlessly through the water, often unfazed by the presence of humans. In the Daymaniyat Islands, spotting a sea turtle is usually easy when you organize your trip with experts like MolaMola Diving Center.  To enhance your turtle-spotting skills, consider the following techniques: Observe Their Silhouettes: As you float near the surface, keep an eye out for dark silhouettes gliding below. Sea turtles often come up for air, revealing their distinctive carapaces. Look for Movement: Turtles are surprisingly agile swimmers. Watch for ripples, sudden shifts, or the gentle flapping of their flippers. These movements can lead you to their location. Scan the Coral Reefs: Turtles love to explore coral reefs. Their shells blend in with the rocky formations, so scan the nooks and crannies. If you see a large, domed shape, it might be a turtle taking a rest. Be Patient: Sometimes, turtles appear unexpectedly. Stay calm, float quietly, and keep swimming. They might swim right past you, granting you an intimate view. Behavior Insights Understanding turtle behavior enhances your snorkeling experience: Feeding Habits: Sea turtles are herbivores. Look for them grazing on seagrass beds or nibbling algae-covered rocks. Their slow, deliberate movements during feeding make them easier to spot. Resting Spots: Turtles often rest on ledges or sandy patches. Approach slowly and maintain a respectful distance. If they feel comfortable, they might stay put, allowing you to observe them peacefully. Surface Breaths: Turtles are air-breathing reptiles. Watch for their heads popping above the water surface for a quick breath. Capture that magical moment when their eyes meet yours. Close Encounters Snorkeling alongside a sea turtle is a privilege. Their ancient eyes seem to hold secrets from centuries past. We always tell our guests from MolaMola Diving Center to follow these rules but we want everyone who visits Daymaniyat islands to remember:  No Touching: Resist the urge to touch or chase them. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid causing stress. We see this a lot during our snorkeling sessions. It is often kids but sometimes also adults chase the turtles. Please make sure you keep your distance from the turtles for your own safety and theirs. Also, doing so will help others have a better experience.  Photography Etiquette: Capture your snorkeling memories in the Daymaniyat Islands without disturbing the sea turtles. Use underwater cameras with silent mode to avoid startling the turtles while maintaining the distance.  Conservation Matters: Protecting Daymaniyat’s Turtles Threats to Turtles While snorkeling in the Daymaniyat Islands is a magical experience, it’s essential to recognize the challenges sea turtles face: Habitat Loss: Coastal development, pollution, and destruction of nesting sites impact turtle habitats. As pristine as the Daymaniyat Islands are, we must remain vigilant to prevent any encroachment. Marine Debris:  Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to ingestion and entanglement. Our responsibility lies in reducing single-use plastics and cleaning up beaches. Fishing Gear: Accidental capture in fishing nets (known as bycatch) poses a significant threat. Supporting sustainable fishing practices and advocating for turtle-friendly gear is crucial. Conservation Efforts Nesting Protection: When you Snorkel in Daymaniyat Islands, you would see that they serve as nesting grounds for green and hawksbill sea turtles. There are conservationists who monitor nesting sites, protect eggs, and educate locals and visitors about the importance of leaving nests undisturbed. Research and Monitoring: Scientists study turtle behavior, migration patterns, and health. By understanding their movements, we can implement effective conservation strategies. Responsible Snorkeling and Diving: As snorkeling guides, we at MolaMola Diving Center believe we play a role in turtle conservation. And hence,

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When Is the Best Time to Spot Whale Sharks in Oman?

When Is the Best Time to Spot Whale Sharks in Oman? They are big, beautiful, and gentle. They like warm water and a lot of plankton. And they are sharks – not Whales. The whale shark is the largest known fish species alive today, with an average length between 6 to 10 meters. The largest measured whale shark was 18.8 meter! And although it is the largest fish in the world, the whale shark eats some of the tiniest creatures in the ocean. Whale sharks have a lifespan of about 70 years and they are found in tropical and temperate oceans such as our Omani Ocean. The docile and harmless giants have a beautiful coloration pattern, bluish-gray to a brown back and a white underside. Each fish has their very own unique pattern of stripes and spot. Have you ever been dreaming of seeing and swimming with whale sharks? Oman is your place to go to! Whale Shark Season Is Between July and September As mentioned earlier, whale sharks like warm waters. They always visit our coastline during summer time – and they are only a few meters away from our marina on their way to Daymaniyat island. From July to late September is the annual whale shark season in Oman. During this period, we spot them regularly in big groups. So, if you plan to join us on a trip during summertime, there is a high chance of spotting whale sharks on our way to the dive site in Daymaniyat island! And what’s better to do during the hot Omani summer than a swim in the water with these gentle giants?  We usually stop our boat as soon as we see the whale sharks so you can enter the water and snorkel with them. While scuba Diving in Oman is great with the usual spotting of Turtle and rays, imagine seeing a whale shark while scuba diving? Although a bit rare, this is also possible too! It’s a lot easier to spot and snorkel with whale sharks rather than finding them during your dive. But while Scuba Diving in Oman, everything is possible – especially at our favorite dive site, Aquarium. How to Swim with Whale Sharks? Whale sharks are threatened by habitat loss, pollution and fishing. To promote their protection, it is very important to be very careful when you’re around them. Therefore, we always ask our customers to follow these guidelines to make sure that your behavior is safe for you, the environment, and the wildlife: Enter and get out of the water quietly. Splashing and noisy entrances can scare away whale sharks. Swim slowly with smooth movements. When approaching a whale shark, you must arrive from the side. Always maintain a safe distance of 3m from the head and 4m from the tail. Never touch a whale shark or try to climb on its back. If you are close to a group of feeding whale sharks, stay still and let the animal move around you. Whale sharks can be curious animals and could approach you. If this happens, do not move and watch! Do not feed whale sharks or throw objects into the water to try to get their attention. Whale sharks feed exclusively on plankton and are not interested in our food. So, what do you think? Are you ready to swim with Whale Sharks? Book your adventure with us now to enjoy the best Diving in Oman. Previous PostNext Post

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Your Guide to Scuba Diving in Oman

Your Guide to Scuba Diving in Oman Do you call yourself a passionate Diver? Does the colorful life under water excite you? If yes, then Scuba Diving in Oman is a must-add on your bucket list. Wonder why? Keep on reading.  Crystal Clear Water Oman offers warm water with crystal clear visibility most of the times – especially during winter months when the water is a bit colder and contains less plankton. Anytime from October up to May can promise you visibility up to 30 meters. The diving around Muscat, where MolaMola Diving Center is located, is simple and calm. Water temperature ranges between 19 degrees Celsius in winter and up to 28 degrees in summer.  Accessible Year-Around Another good thing: Scuba Diving in Oman is possible every month of the year! MolaMola Diving Center takes you diving all year-round with April to May and September to October being the best combination of surface and sea temperatures. During the summer months – from June till the end of August – the temperature in Oman is very hot. That’s when diving without wetsuit is done. Summer is also the best time for Whale Shark encounters, which brings us to the next advantage: Blooming Marine Life The marine life around Muscat, especially at Daymaniyat Island and Fahal Island, is full of life and colors. We have many colorful, tropical fish and hard and soft corals to gaze at. There are many nudibranchs and reef fish in our area – and if you are into bigger fish, we got you covered with different types of turtles, rays such as Stingrays or Cowtail ray and Zebra and Black Reef Shark. As said before – during summer season we even spot Whale Sharks on our dives! Read more about Whaleshark season in oman here. Amazing Dive Sites Our dive sites are perfect for beginners, newly certified divers and for advanced divers as well! We usually visit Daymaniyat Island, a tiny archipelago of rocky islands with more than 20 dive sites and depths up to 30 meters. But even the best visibility, water temperature, dive sites and marine life will not make for a perfect trip if the dive school is bad. But hey, today’s your lucky day – you’ve found the perfect dive school for the best Diving in Oman! At MolaMola Diving Center we make sure you enjoy your trip to the fullest – with a BBQ lunch, soft drinks, full rental equipment and a spacious boat to sunbath during surface interval. And more importantly, great company! So, are you convinced that Scuba Diving in Oman is worth a try? Book a trip with MolaMola Diving Center to discover the best Diving in Oman! Previous PostNext Post

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Equalize Your Ears: Why and How!

Equalize Your Ears: Why and How! Most of you probably know this from flying an airplane: As soon as you ascend, you feel pressure in your ears. Same when we dive – just the pressure we feel is much stronger! The only way to solve longterm illness for ourself is to equalize our ears. Sadly many people struggle with equalizing… That often comes down to technique and practice. Keep on reading – we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to equalize your ears while Scuba Diving. Why Do We Have to Equalize? So many divers think they have an ear problem because they always face problems with equalizing. While some people do have a medical issue with their ears or sinuses, we mostly can attribute this failure to using the wrong techniques or improper execution of what they have learned. But why do we have to equalize at all?  As soon as you put your head below the surface, water flows into your ears. This puts pressure on your eardrums. For most people this isn’t painful in the first meter, but if you don’t equalize your ears, the pressure keeps building from discomfort even to pain. To solve this problem, we must equalize our ears by adding air into our sinuses and Eustachian tubes to counter the water pressure. The Best Techniques to Equalize: There are different ways how to equalize. The most common one is probably the Valsvalva Maneuver: We’re pinching our nostrils and we’re blowing through our nose. The resulting overpressure in your throat usually forces air up your Eustachian tubes. In an airplane or during a dive it can create the familiar pop in your ears and relieve pressure. Another option is Swallowing. Candy or gum help when you fly because chewing on them makes you swallow, which in most cases will equalize your ears. Some goes if you chew a bit (of course not too strong!) on your mouthpiece. Some people even prefer to swallowing over the Valsalva maneuver to equalize their ears while scuba diving. The third tip is to wiggle or move your jaw from side to side. This stretches the Eustachian tubes, which can equalize your ears. You can also try to move your head from side to side or even attempt all equalizing techniques at the same time or any combination you find helpful. Divers who experience difficulty equalizing may find it helpful to master several techniques. Practice even at home – in front of a mirror you can even watch your throat muscles. Make Equalizing Easier Now as you know the best techniques to equalize, this will already help you a lot. But check e few other things before the dive and you should be fine. First, always and every time before you are about to enter a Dive Shop or a Dive Boat – check your ears: Are your Eustachien tubes open? Can you hear the “pop” when you swallow?Then, right before the dive, start already on the surface: Equalize at the surface and then equalize every meter – even if you do not feel any pressure: equalize.Sometimes looking up might help as well, or even better: Use a descent line where you can hold on and where you can control your descent rate. Also – do not tight your mask to tight and of course: STOP DESCENDING IF IT HURTS! Do not push through pain. In case your ears begin to hurt, ascend a few meter and try again. Combined with some patience, equalizing techniques should work for most people, even those who think their ears are keeping them from enjoying the underwater world. Our instructors are very patience and helpful as well, don’t worry if you had problems equalizing before – togther we will solve it. Book your Trip for Scuba Diving in Muscat with us now! diving oman | DAYMANIYAT ISLAND | Snorkeling in Oman | Snorkeling in muscat | diving muscat | diving in oman | scuba diving oman | diving in muscat | divingcenter muscat Previous Post

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Seasickness and What to do about it

Seasickness and What to Do About It You are all excited about your Scuba trip – but as soon as the boat hits the open waters, all the excitement is gone: Seasickness has kicked in. You are starting to feel headaches, dizzy, sick and maybe you even have to start vomiting. Seasickness is not fun at all. Let’s have a look how to prevent and stop seasickness so you can enjoy your Scuba trip to the fullest! Why Do We Get Seasick at All?   Motion sickness occurs when your brain can’t make sense of information sent from your eyes, ears and body. Lots of motion — in a car, airplane, boat, or even an amusement park ride — can make you feel queasy, clammy or sick to your stomach. An estimated one in three people get motion sickness at some point. Women, and children age two to 12 are most at risk. Still, the condition can affect anyone. How Can We Prevent Motion Sickness?   Many divers experience seasickness while spending time on boats in between the dives or on the wa to the dive site. You can lower the changes of getting seasick with some easy actions. First of all: Be well rested before the boat trip and drink plenty of water. Choose low-fat, bland and starchy foods before entering the boat as well so your stomach is light. During your time on the boat, sit up and look at the horizon. Of course there are a number of drugs available to help prevent or treat motion sickness. Typically these drugs come as a pill, which you should take before the symptoms of seasickness start to kick in. These pills can cause drowsiness as a side effect, so it’s a good idea to discuss which medication might be right for you with your doctor or pharmacist. And What to Do When You Are Sick?   As soon as you start feeling sick, make sure you sit in the middle of the boat and try to get some fresh air. It might seem surprisingly obvious, but fresh air does wonders for clearing your head. Also have a look at the horizon: Looking at the horizon can help give your brain a point of reference, allowing it to sense the motion of the ship and your body’s movement with it.Ginger helps a lot too: Raw, candied or brewed in a tea – Ginger has been used to treat seasickness for centuries. Just chew on some ginger or if you don’t like it, use some ginger capsules instead.Other option is our favorite one: DIVING HELPS! If you start to feel ill, enter the water. One submerged, the body no longer receives conflicting signals from the eyes and limbs – so you will start to feel better while diving.And if you must vomit, its best to let it happen. You will feel much better afterwards. Of course we can not regulate the weather: but we will only take the trip to Daymaniyat or Fahal Island for Scuba Diving or Snorkeling in Oman if we feel like the sea condition will be good enough to make the way there and the way back. Previous PostNext Post

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